Safe From Harm #4:

Routines and actions during the camp

In this module, we discuss the routines that apply during the World Scout Moot. This module also describes what action to take in the event an incident should occur. These include security and safety measures for everyone during the camp. They apply at all activities throughout the Moot.

Your own contingent may of course have additional rules governing interaction between age groups and/or female and male participants, among other things.

Where to seek help

A key goal of the camp is to protect everyone from abuse of any kind. The following will assist you – as an IST, CMT, Tribe Advisor, or MPT – to that end:

Safety Stewards will patrol most Expedition Centers, as well as the camping grounds at Úlfljótsvatn. Their role is to ensure general safety and to act as guides. They will be responsible for receiving reports and communication should any problems arise at the Moot. They will be readily identifiable by their distinctive vests.

First Aiders will have first responder or medical training and will be located at the Medical Center on site.

Listening Ears will be available at most Expedition Centers, as well as at the Úlfljótsvatn camping grounds. They will be trained to deal with matters concerning mental well-being. So, if you need to get something off your chest, you can always seek out a Listening Ear.

Members of the Health and Safety Team will be responsible for matters concerning personal safety at the Moot and will handle reports of abuse and take further action if necessary.

For more information, consult the Risk, Safety and Emergency Management Plan.

Rules of conduct

The way in which you conduct yourself influences the conduct of others. Therefore, it is important that you be aware of your own behaviour.

Some points to remember:

Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Be assertive and take action if you witness something that is not OK, and encourage others to do the same.

Sometimes speaking up is enough to make someone aware that his or her behaviour is inappropriate.

Be an example to others.

Allow other people to talk about any concerns they may have. However, never promise not to tell anyone else.

Be careful with other people’s feelings and integrity. Avoid flirting and sexual activity.

Taking action

If you become aware of abuse of any kind, you should take action. This is not always easy, but the most important thing is that you do something. The following paragraphs include advice on what action to take in various situations.

If someone informs you he or she is being abused:

Do not make judgments. Ask open-ended questions, like “What happened?” Never make a promise of silence or guarantee solutions.

Ask for the person’s name, contingent and to which sub camp he or she belongs.

Immediately escort the person to the nearest Safety Steward, First Aider, or Listening Ear, and report the incident.

If you suspect abuse or are concerned about someone’s well-being:

Think clearly. What do you suspect is happening?

Try to identify the persons involved, the abused as well as the abuser.

Contact the closest Safety Steward, First Aider, or Listening Ear.

If you witness any kind of abuse taking place:

You must act immediately. Try to enlist the aid of another adult.

Directly enter the situation and interrupt, make your presence felt and intervene.

Ask something like “What is going on here?”

Try to find out who is involved in the incident: names, contingents, etc.

If possible, remove the individual being assaulted from the situation.

Contact the closest Steward, First Aider or Listening Ear, and report the incident.

What will happen when I report abuse?

Should an incident of abuse come to your attention, it is essential that you report it to the Health and Safety Team. It may be necessary to interrupt whatever you happen to be doing at the time.

Once an incident has been reported, the staff of the Health and Safety Team will take responsibility for any further action that may be necessary.

The contingent leader(s) – i.e. the perpetrator’s contingent as well as the victim’s contingent – will be informed of the incident and the necessary action will be taken.

Important numbers to remember

The 15th World Scout Moot Emergency Telephone Number will be published in the Camp Handbook. Please memorize it. This emergency number should be your first choice except in the case of a real emergency or very serious incident, where people are in physical danger. In the case of such an emergency, the national emergency telephone number 112 should be your first choice. It will connect you to the police, fire department, and emergency medical services.

All participants will have prompt access to Health Medical Services (HMS), should the need arise. The aim is for all locations to be self-sufficient in treating minor injuries and illnesses, thus minimizing the need for medical transport.

Summary

React and take action if you see, hear or suspect abuse.

Contact the members of the Health and Safety Team, who patrol the site and manage the gates, or the counselling room at the Moot First Aid Post, if you become aware of abuse.

Be aware of your own behaviour and reactions.

The Moot maintains a zero tolerance policy concerning the use of alcohol or other intoxicating substances for the duration of the Moot.

I hereby confirm that I understand the contents of this page with in the Safe from Harm training course, and agree to comply with all directions made thereby at the World Scout Moot 2017. I’m ready for the next level.

By moving on to the next page you confirm that you understand the contents of the Safe from Harm training course, provided on this page, and agree to comply with all directions made thereby at the World Scout Moot 2017.